As always readers whenever I take some time to talk at length about a specific topic I attempt to be extremely open and honest with you about everything. That way your own conclusions can be drawn and you can know that whatever your feelings about the piece, it was honest and from the heart.
That’s why I felt the need to write about my Detroit Lions. Yes, I said my. Being a Lions diehard is one of the most stressful things you can put yourself through as a sports fan. Trust me, we didn’t win a single game in 2008. 0-16. I spent nearly every late Sunday afternoon looking like this that year –
So you can understand my very cautious optimism when the Lions got out to a 5-3 start this season. We were a young team and I didn’t have them in the playoffs in my NFL preview before the season, but after only 4 wins in the previous season I was just pleased to see progress. Still wasn’t expecting much, but for a franchise that has had one winning season since 2001…..Baby steps, right? But with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers out a reported 4-6 weeks and the status of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler up in the air for this Sunday’s matchup against the Lions, I feel like I have to say this. The time is now, for Detroit.
33%. That is the combined winning percentage of the teams left on the back half of Detroit’s schedule (22-43). A slate that will feature matchups against teams like the Vikings, Steelers, Buccaneers, Eagles, and Ravens. With swing games against the Bears and a possible Aaron Rodgers-less Packers squad on Thanksgiving, there’s no excuse why the Lions shouldn’t make the playoffs. Featuring the 3rd ranked passing attack in the league and having arguably one of the best defensive lines in the league should be more than enough for the Lions to finish at the very least 6-2 and possibly host a playoff game at Ford Field for the first time. Ever.
And for a franchise that had its’ best player (Barry Sanders) walk away in the prime of his career because a lack of a commitment to winning? The Lions should be jumping at the opportunity to change their perception around the league. Is this an article saying they’re going to the Super Bowl and will destroy all opponents from here on out? No. I’m objective, even when it comes to my own personal favorite teams.
But for a team, no, a CITY that needs all the positivity it can get right now? Here I am, stepping out on a limb and calling out the Lions. In the words of the late-great Al Davis, just win baby.